"I don't like this, not one bit, Alexander. High Command wants us to maintain our commitments to the Byotai. Do they actually understand what's happening out here?"
Admiral Churchill looked to him and answered with a very slow nod. Very few people would use the Admiral's first name, and his XO was one of these men. Commander Arthur Jarvis might only be distantly related to the renowned Admiral of the same name, but he'd served on board ANS Warlord three times since she'd been commissioned back in the Biomech War. He'd been one of the many weapons officers on the ship in the War, and since then he'd been reassigned twice, finally resulting in his latest promotion to serve as second-in-command on the massive battleship.
"Anderson has received all of our reports, as well as those coming from IAB units and their mercenary cohorts operating in the Tenth Quadrant. He's briefed the Security Council at the Naval Station. Trust me, they know what's happening, all of them. Even the Klithi and Khreenk have been notified."
The Commander remained silent for a short while, and both looked out at the massive bow of the battleship. It was the strangest ship in the fleet, with two complete vessels fused together. From the side it looked like any other major warship, but the bow was particularly strange, with its duplication of features.
"The Byotai Empire is gone. They must accept that by now, surely? So why bother putting us, and the fleet in harm's way? The longer we're out here, the greater the chance of provoking this new Empire. Is that a war we want to fight?"
Churchill smiled.
"Oh, you're not wrong. The Byotai Empire hasn't collapsed, though. It's been absorbed into this dangerous new faction, and that is the real issue for us." He licked his lips before continuing, "Remember the ranting from the commander of the Nozu-Kuba People's Militia?"
Commander Jarvis nodded.
"Centurion Naciss?"
"Yeah, that's him. He made a big deal about a movement called the Technos. According to Admiral Anderson, the Technos are more widespread than we thought. There are even rumours of small support groups on some of our Helion colonies."
Commander Jarvis' eyes widened.
"I've not heard that before."
"It's not a big deal, at least, not yet. But you know what the public thinks of synthetic creatures and biomechanics. Since the War, a lot more synthetics have settled in the broken colonies out here. Some have even travelled to the old worlds to work in the mines, factories, and of course, the military."
The Admiral smiled.
"Did you know that nearly twenty percent of the crews of the Navy Auxiliary are made up of Thegns that fought on our side against the Biomechs? Or that one in ten recruits to the Marine Corps are Jötnar?"
Commander Jarvis shuddered involuntarily as he listened. Like so many people in the Alliance, he found idea of the Thegns in military service abhorrent, even though they had been nothing but loyal since the last days of the War.
"I knew about the Jötnar, but I'm surprised at the Thegns. Recruitment hasn't been easy. Most just want to rebuild, and fewer people choose to volunteer from the old colonies anymore."
Admiral Churchill nodded in agreement.
"True. Even so, the Thegns were a risk, but we have trialled them in the IAB, and they have performed flawlessly. Reports from Brigadier Black recommends rolling out their use in all Naval units, and even in ground units."
The Commander's expression confirmed his distrust of the alien creatures. They were of a similar size and ability to a human, but fully synthetic and constructed to be a living soldier by the Biomechs. Their skin was metallic to the touch and coloured like dull iron. This bizarre outer layer allowed them to live for many minutes in the vacuum of space, with little discernible effect on their physiology. They had proven loyal, reliable, and very quick learners. Now many of them worked aboard the support ships of the fleet, as well as in the shipyards and maintenance docks of the Alliance. Admiral Churchill breathed slowly as he kept speaking.
"As for out here, we cannot let this movement gain traction, not unless we want to see the same hysteria spreading through our own colonies. The Helion population and infrastructure bore the brunt of the War, and rebuilding efforts would collapse without the help of the synthetics."
He then smiled.
"Hell, you've seen the work of the Jötnar on Prometheus and Hyperion? They are proving to be some of the best engineers we have ever seen."
Commander Jarvis looked confused as he listened to the Admiral. He could accept the place of synthetics in the Alliance, even though the idea of the Thegns still unnerved him, but that still didn't answer all of his questions.
"So that's why we're out here, helping a teenage Byotai prince to reclaim his legacy?"
The expression on the Admiral's face changed to a knowing look. His deputy's tone might have indicated subordination, but he knew the man well enough that he was merely offering up options to discuss. When the time came to make a decision, Commander Jarvis would follow his orders, no matter the content, or where they might lead them.
"Eighty percent of the Byotai Empire has already been absorbed into this Empire, commanded by the mysterious figure, Tahkeome."
He considered his next words for a moment.
"What remains are the frontier settlements between the Klithi and our sectors, and of course, the besieged Tenth Quadrant. In total, there's anything up to twenty percent up for grabs, and Tahkeome will be doing his best to take it while he has the Byotai on the run."
He lifted his right hand and moved his index finger back and forth.
"And High Command has determined that this cannot be allowed to happen. We need to maintain the status quo, and ensure the Byotai remain the victims here. They have been attacked, and we will assist where we can with what is left. We cannot let them turn this into a struggle against synthetics or machines. Both of which we need right now."
He then looked back to the bow of the ship.
"It's more important that we avoid a major new power forming on our doorstep, one that will try and stir up discontent through our colonies. That's why the Alliance will support the legitimate Byotai forces in defending their remaining territory, with Prince Kratha as the figurehead."
The Commander nodded, only now fully understanding what was happening.
"So the remnants of the Byotai Empire will become a proxy theatre of war."
"Exactly," said the Admiral, "And by helping the Byotai loyalists under Kratha, we will help weaken this new and dangerous movement of machine breakers and synthetic haters. We've already fought two wars with Biomechs at the heart of both. We can't take a third."
He rubbed his hands together, a slow gesture as he looked back to the Commander.
"We will show the Byotai that there is something worth fighting for, and that they can win. Then, and only then, can we try to contain this threat."
* * *
Alliance Armoured Assault Ship 'ANS Relentless'
Orion Battlegroup, 8th Quadrant, Uncharted Space
21 December 2472
The briefing room was attached to the side of the CIC, with one dividing wall made of dark glass style material separating the deck officers from whoever was inside. Captain Galanos nodded slowly as she listened to the Admiral. The images of four captains and the Admiral looked down at her as if she was in the middle of a court-martial. An image of the former Byotai Empire filled a large part of the vertical display. One by one they spoke until finally the Admiral turned to her.
"Well, Captain. That is the latest information from the fleet, and from Orion Command. You've spoken with the Prince and were in Byotai territory when all this kicked off. What are your thoughts on the current position?"
Captain Galanos answered immediately.
"I think it's too little too late. We should have sent in the fleet from day one to stabilise their military before it collapsed. Now we have to deal with the armed forces of two of the largest empires we've ever encountered."
"Speak your mind, Galanos," said Captai
n Ontarus, of ANS Vigilance.
"It's true," she said defensively, "We can muster a military to face one, but not both. Now the Byotai are broken, and those trapped behind the lines will be forced to collaborate or suffer the consequences. The Byotai collapsed in days, and we were lucky to make it out when we did."
One of the other captains almost choked as he listened. Admiral Churchill listened patiently while Captain Galanos continued outlining her criticisms until finally he could answer.
"I see. For what it's worth, I advocated for an immediate mobilisation of Orion Command. Nonetheless, this is the position as we find it, and not as we would like it. So, what are your thoughts on this strategy? You've spent more time that most among the Byotai."
She shook her head.
"They are broken, and most of their younger people are keen on the ideals of this new faction. Many have been drawn to the fighting on the border. I suspect that was the plan of Tahkeome from the start."
"That makes sense," said Captain Achilles, of ANS Dauntless, "The younger generation has spent the last decade seeing the footage of the Biomech War, and now they see us working with the synthetics and machines. That, coupled with the border disputes seems to have left them vulnerable to this transition. From what we've seen, entire sectors have changed sides without a fight. Only the older systems, especially those located near Imperial facilities have shown any sign of loyalty."
"I see," said the Admiral, "Captain Galanos, you think stabilising the remnants of the Byotai is wise, and workable?"
Captain Galanos nodded.
"This new movement is fanatical, and we saw the effects of that in the Uprising. We have to maintain a buffer between them and us. What choice do we now have? The border systems are still fighting, and we've all seen the reports. They can fight, but not for long."
She pressed a button, and the mapping data showed the locations of various Alliance Naval units.
"We have two battlegroups and a heavy strike group under Orion Command, and auxiliary units from the Helions to bulk up the numbers. That should be more than sufficient to bring force to bear if we are careful. I suggest we pick a small number of key locations and send units to reinforce them. We will send out a signal that these areas are safe zones for all that remain loyal to the Prince and the Byotai Empire."
Admiral Churchill seemed to like what he was hearing.
"Yes, that matches my thoughts, and Admiral Anderson's as well. Very well. I will pass on your comments. In the meantime, get your ships ready. We have two more waypoints to pass before we make it home. I can tell you this, though, this crisis is not over." He nodded slowly, as though only now beginning to accept the truth, "It has barely even begun."
The image faded to black, and Captain Galanos slumped back in her captain's chair and pulled back her head. There were differing views in the fleet, but it was now clear that Relentless was going to be in action for some time, and that meant her crew, marines, and pilots were here to stay. Her body ached from the tension, and even though she knew they were travelling away to safety, she still couldn't relax. The crew continued to work as normal, and reports arrived from different parts of the ship every few minutes. Even so, with the threat of battle over, it was time to prepare for what lay ahead. The conversation with he Admiral began to fade, replaced by the myriad of tasks to be performed aboard Relentless.
"Another day, and another list of damage and problems to have to fix."
She spoke quietly while examining the imagery in front of her. The schematic of the ship was so large that several of her officers actually used the same diagram to communicate with parts of the ship, as well as to assess the various problems from ventilation to gunnery control. Most of the ship was blue in colour, but orange and red lines marked where damage had been sustained. Under ideal circumstances they would stop for a few days so the autonomous drones could get to work repairing damage to the outer hull. Much that she would like to see that happen, there was no chance now.
"How are my engines holding up?"
Her engineering officer looked back at her at the same time as a priority message appeared on the vertical display unit. It was from the medical bay. The single large vertical display carried separate rectangular sections for each of the senior officers. By removing so many of the smaller units, it was possible to reduce the space needed for command and control. One section on the display turned into a black rectangle, and nearby data shifted sideways to make space. It then changed to show a woman in medical overalls. Captain Galanos sighed at seeing the Doctor. It was a report she had requested an hour ago, and she dreaded hearing the news.
"Doctor. What is the status of my injured?"
The Doctor looked down and pressed some buttons off camera before replying. Captain Galanos' mind raced as she imagined the injuries to her crew. Relentless had been pounded in the short battle. This wasn't the first engagement in the recent crisis, but she was acutely aware that a number of the enemy projectiles had punched deep inside the ship's hull.
"Seven injuries, none major. One gunner lost a finger during the first volleys. Other than that we made it through relatively unscathed."
Captain Galanos let out a single long sigh.
"I expected a lot worse."
The Doctor smiled.
"The compartment evacuation drills saved a lot of lives. Multiple decks were breached early on, but deck managers pulled back crew into sealed areas and then blocked them off. It meant reduced engineering teams throughout the ship, but with the benefit of saving a lot of lives."
Captain Galanos looked happy at the news.
"That's very good. Relentless is a tough old girl, and she can take a beating. But my crew, they die as easily as anybody else."
She blinked slowly as the memories of the violence they had endured over the last weeks returned to her, following their escape from the Byotai revolutionaries. Since then, she had seen pilots killed as well as crew. Even worse, some of the Byotai armoured infantry had made it aboard her ship. The thought of more casualties on Relentless left her feeling sick to her stomach.
"And my pilots?"
The Doctor nodded, but this time answered without having to check.
"Neither is seriously injured, though Ensigns Lewis and Hurley took quite a beating getting back here. They are bruised, and Ensign Hurley undertook a major concussion during her ejection."
Captain Galanos lifted her left hand to her chin as she listened. Knighthawk Squadron consisted of young pilots, but they were all over the legal age of sixteen for service in the Navy. Even so, it made her uncomfortable using such young people in conflict. The Doctor transferred a file across to the screen that showed a list of figures accompanied by a graph.
"All the young pilots in this new squadron are showing the first signs of combat stress. My recommendation is for the new cadets to be placed in reserve. They lack both the..."
Captain Galanos lifted her hand.
"Yes, Doctor, I understand. They will remain active until this fleet, and my ship are out of harm's way."
"Of course, but..."
Captain Galanos shook her head.
"I have your report, thank you."
Captain Galanos cut the feed to the Doctor and looked back at the vertical display. Relentless was no longer running undermanned and underequipped. Even after combat losses, she still carried the best part of three squadrons of fighter craft, upwards of thirty spacecraft. There were even two full platoons of marines on board, more than Relentless had seen for decades. Sound from the door off to the side of the room caught her attention. There was a short exchange of salutes and even fewer words before Captain Cornwallis and Lieutenant Heiskell entered the CIC.
This can't be good.
"Captain...Lieutenant."
Both walked onto the deck while the officers in the CIC stood smartly to attention as they approached her position and saluted. It wasn't the arrival that drew so much interest. It was the way they moved directly at her. The very second
they were waved through by the marines she knew something was up.
"Captain, we've got a new problem," said Lieutenant Heiskell.
Captain Galanos rubbed her right eyebrow with her hand.
"Yes, I can see that. Go on."
The Captain spoke more quietly than she would have expected, and it immediately made her uncomfortable.
"One of my marines overheard the Byotai prince talking as he was returning to the armoury to hand in his gear. His translators were active and picked up part of the conversation."
Captain Galanos remained seated.
"And?"
Captain Cornwallis sniffed as he moved closer to her.
"Sir. This Prince Kratha, it seems he's managed to make contact with other Byotai."
Captain Galanos sighed.
"That's it? It's hardly surprising, is it? His empire is broken, and many of his people are fleeing across the border."
Captain Cornwallis shook his head.
"That's not it, Sir. It's much more serious than him breaking fleet radio silence. My marine overheard one of them passing on the waypoints for the fleet, including our apparent arrival at a place called the Eighth Quadrant Fleet Reserve Base."
His eyebrows rose as he mentioned the location, especially when Captain Galanos' expression gave away the fact that she was surprised. Captain Cornwallis sighed.
"Just as I suspected. This information is senior officers only, isn't it?"
That made the Captain rise to her feet.
"What? How the hell did he know this?"
Her head angled to the right, and her tone increased a fraction in level. She then signalled to one of the marines guarding the door.
"Bring me the Prince and his retinue immediately."
"Sir!"
Operation Hellfire Page 5